December 23, 2023 - Issue #117

We are thrilled to announce that the Pierz Community Toy Drive was a resounding success, serving 282 children and counting at the time of publication. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who generously donated their time, resources, and energy to make this year's drive a success.

Special thanks go out to the Harding Sportsmen, Loidolt Lumber, Pierz Fire and Rescue Department, Pierz Lions, Platte Late POA, Knights of Columbus, Lastrup Snowdusters, Pioneer Student Council and Pioneer students and families, MHS students and advisors, and the tireless elves behind the scenes, especially Ms. Ferguson and Ms. Gruber.

It truly takes an entire community to make a difference, and we are proud to have such a strong and supportive community of staff, families, students, and businesses.

Once again, thank you to all who contributed to making the Community Toy Drive a success. We look forward to continuing this tradition and making an even greater impact in the future. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to our families and friends, near and far.

Happenings at Healy

Industrial-grade machines, hands-on learning

Students in Mr. Teske's 3-D Print and Design class are learning to use Photoshop and creating designs to be displayed on classroom windows at school. Students interview staff members who want a 'designer window' to start the design process. They then create the design in Photoshop and ready it for the vinyl printer. The professional-grade UV printer is checked out from Sourcewell through the Tech Mobile program. They print on static cling vinyl (think the same material of the sticker on your car's windshield telling you when it's time for your next oil change) and install them on teacher classroom windows.

Decking the Halls of Healy

Mrs.Tax's DOE (Diversified Occupational Experience) classes were challenged to complete a type of community service project to make our buildings better. One idea these students had was to increase the festive decor in the building. In addition to bringing the courtyard to life, they also created the giant nutcrackers at the entrances of the courtyard.

Flexing their creative muscles, the students used cardboard Sonotube concrete forms, PVC, and various accessories to finish these beauties.

AVID program provides career exploration for Healy students

Healy High School is fortunate to provide the AVID program to all of our 8th grade students. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting college and career readiness throughout the school. It is designed to assist students in succeeding in high school and preparing for their post-secondary education and future careers.

From Healy High School AVID teacher, Mr. Eastman, "AVID is a system that provides a variety of strategies to students who require academic support or have dreams of attending a college or university. The system is cornered around the acronym WICOR which stands for Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading. The goal is to provide students with more strategies in their tool box in order to be successful in more rigorous classes as they prepare for college or their future careers. 

Eighth-grade students are currently receiving this opportunity a quarter at a time so all 8th graders will gain a snapshot of what AVID is and how it is beneficial to them and their futures. I have taught the AVID Elective class for 4 years to 6th graders, 7th graders, and 8th graders and I really love it and see the value of it daily. I just moved to Minnesota from Phoenix, AZ, and I am loving my time at Pierz! Students are engaged and have an understanding of the rationale of AVID and the activities we do. It is so rewarding to see their growth over the quarter that I have them!"

November PRIDE Students

Perseverance 

Respect 

Integrity 

Discipline (self)

Empathy



These are the five characteristics our students strive to exhibit throughout their time here at Pierz Schools. Teachers are encouraged to nominate students each month they feel are strong leaders among their peers using these character traits. A committee of teachers, counselors, and administrators then choose two students from each grade as recipients of the PRIDE award each month. Earners of the award get their choice of Subway or Red’s for lunch. Congratulations to ALL the nominees!

Happenings at Pioneer Elementary

It's the most wonderful week of the year!

Grinch Day in kindergarten

Gingerbread house making in kindergarten

Elf day in 1st grade

Healy Jazz Band caroling at Pioneer Elementary

Choice day in library led to spontaneous choruses of Christmas carols

Pajama day preschool:

"Make a funny face!"

December 25 - January 2: No School - Winter Break

January 12: 2-hour Early Release - Teacher Workshop

January 19: No School - Teacher Workshop, End of Semester 1

January 22: No School

Upcoming Community Education

Calling all adults—join us for pickleball fun! Looking for a way to get active, socialize, and have a blast with friends? All levels of play are welcome. Come to the open gym on Sunday nights at 5pm. Sign up online to ensure you're on the email list for weather updates, or updated locations and times. You have the option to pay online or pay when you come. The fee is $2 per time, and all equipment is provided. Note: no experience necessary!

• Gymnastics for grades 1-4 will start in January with three levels available this winter.

Register online in the webstore.

Pierz Public Schools #484

newsletter@pierz.k12.mn.us

District Office: 320.468.6458

112 Kamnic Street, Pierz, MN 56364

www.pierzschools.org